India-China face-off: Steps Modi-Govt may take to tackle Beijing

The Indo-China diplomatic tie is at historic low following a fresh round of tussle between soldiers of both sides in Ladakh on Monday night. While 20 brave soldiers lost their lives, reports suggest that nearly 40 Chinese soldiers were also killed or injured. 

Ever since the 1962 war, the Chinese troops had been frequently crossing the Line of Actual Control. On every occasion, Indian troops warned them for violating border agreements.  These often led to a tussle between both sides

This time, however, the face-off went a bit too far. Initial reports suggested that Colonel Suresh Babu, Commanding Officer of the 16th battalion of Bihar Regiment, and two soldiers lost their lives during the face-off at Galwan Valley. By, late evening on Tuesday, the casualty figure surged to 20.

While the Indian army issued a statement on the same late last evening, China is it to do so. However, one is not surprised at China's attitude given its habit of hiding important informations. The US has put the casualty figure on China's side to 35.

Dragging China to UN

Another war between India and China can hardly be a solution, given that the region has already seen a couple of wars in the last five decades. Given that China is a permanent member of the UN, it will not be easy for India to drag the Communist-led country to the world body on the issue.

However, the Modi Government must take China to the United Nations on Tibet. This will not only take China to back foot but will also increase its problems given that Jinping administration is already in the eye of the storm across the world over the spread of COVID-19.

India must contact Russia, the US, and France (all of whom are UN permanent members) and inform them of China's misdeeds. This will put further pressure on China, given that the US has already announced tough measures against Beijing, accusing it of hiding facts on the ongoing pandemic.

Shut diplomatic ties

India must shut all diplomatic ties with China to put pressure on the country and make them sit on the negotiating table. The prime minister, other ministers and diplomats must not visit China as long as they don't stop laying claims on parts of Arunachal Pradesh and Ladakh. It must also as its diplomats from China to return.

Lest we forget that China ditched former PM Jawaharlal Nehru's vision of 'Hindi-Chini  bhai-bhai', we must remember PM Modi also attended an informal summit with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kerala's Mamallapuram.

One had hope that talks were going on the right direction. With its attest deed of killing our soldiers, China has proved that it still does not value its diplomatic ties with India, even as the relationship between both countries goes back to centuries.

Shun economic ties?

Given that China is India's largest trade partner, the shunning of economic ties with China completely, won't be a good idea. While India must stop purchasing electronic gadgets and toys from China, trade ties on eatable products and medicines must continue.

With the Chinese auto sector among the best in the world, it will not help India to close a trade with China in the Auto industry. Several auto manufacturing companies from China have opened their offices in India, giving employment to locals.

The Conclusion

While tackling China militarily is not a solution, cutting off trade ties entirely with Beijing will hamper India's economy. This is at the time when India is already facing an economic crisis, even before the pandemic.  The only way India can put pressure on China is through diplomatic channels, to put the Jinping administration on the backfoot.